WSBK Donington: Baz salvages top five from row four

27 May 2013

Following a disappointing Superpole session, Loris Baz was happy to pick up a top five finish at Donington Park from row four courtesy of an impressive charge during race one.

Confident he had the pace to belie his middling grid position, Baz made sure progress during the first race, overcoming an early mistake to snatch fifth place from Eugene Laverty in the closing stages.

Going on to finish seventh in race two after struggling with the feel of the Kawasaki, Baz was pleased to leave the British round – scene of his debut WSBK round last season – having pulled away from Jonathan Rea in the fight for the top six overall.

“I knew that I had good pace even yesterday. I just did not have a good Superpole qualifying session. But in race one today the good Loris was back! I did not have such a fast start but I wanted to go right to the front quickly but I ran straight on at one corner. I was coming back, coming back, and then overtook without any mistake and finished fifth.

“In race two I did not have the same feeling as in race one and that meant that I could not push, maybe more me than the bike, and the temperature was a bit different. I was not able to follow Chaz Davies and was waiting to get to the end of the race but I did my best.

“I am still sixth in the championship and I took some points advantage to Jonathan Rea so that is good.”